The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announced that John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, vice president of engineering and technical services, has been elected to the Board of Visitors (BOV) for the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering. The board assists the department in gaining recognition and support as a leader in fire protection engineering education and research. Members provide the chair and department leadership with objective information and intellectual stimulation, advising on a wide range of issues that include strategic planning, corporate relations, fundraising initiatives, communications strategies and other opportunities. Members serve for a three-year term, which can be renewed.

"John is an excellent addition to the department of Fire Protection Engineering's Board of Visitors," says Jim Milke, Ph.D., P.E., professor and chair of the department of Fire Protection Engineering. "Comprised of leaders throughout the field of fire protection, the board will benefit from his enthusiasm and long-term commitment to the advancement of the profession and his extensive list of both connections and activities in the sprinkler industry."

Denhardt is a professional engineer registered in the District of Columbia as well as the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In addition to his P.E., he is a NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems as well as NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP). Denhardt has a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), represents AFSA on 17 NFPA committees, and is an SFPE Fellow.